up. But this time, she’s not fifteen. She’s twenty-five.”
That did concern her. “What’s the story?”
“She’s from Ecuador, very small for her age, not even five foot. We’re guessing that if she was abducted, like the other victims you discovered, the kidnapper mistook her for a fourteen-year-old girl.”
“When did this happen?”
“See, I knew you’d be interested in covering this. But you can’t do it from Florida.”
“Humor me, Corbin. Just a few of the details.”
“It happened the day before yesterday. She was living with a local attorney in town…”
“Who?”
“Miles Benson. Do you know anything about him?”
“Nope. What kind of law does he practice?”
“Well, that’s why we think it could be an immigration issue. He is an immigration attorney. Maybe she didn’t want any hassle from authorities. Maybe she was unhappy in the household and had no one to turn to. She worked as an au pair for the children. But she cooked, cleaned and drove them to all their school things.”
“And the attorney called it in?”
“His wife did, yes. According to her, the lady just disappeared.”
“Just like the other ones. You know this is connected, Corbin.”
“Well, then you’re going to love this. She also has long black hair and typically wore it in a ponytail, like many of the other girls.”
She thought about it before she replied. “Corbin, I’m still not coming back there.”
He sighed over the phone. “I was afraid you’d say that. I can’t say as I blame you. You still have files here. Can I assign them?”
“Go ahead.”
“And you’ll get me my story in time for Friday, right?”
“Yes, I will.” She paused. “Who are you going to put on the story about the missing girl?”
“Martin.”
“No, you need a woman on it. The mother has to be interviewed and separately. Are the police involved?”
“Of course they are! This story made headlines this morning.”
“Because it’s number four.”
“According to you, at least number four.”
“Yes, probably more like ten.” She considered the staff at the paper. “Why don’t you put Carmen on it? She speaks Spanish. She can talk to the family of the girl back home.”
“Family? According to Mrs. Benson, this girl had no relatives. She was brought up by an agency.”
“But she had friends, people Carmen could interview. Nobody’s going to trust Martin.”
“But he’s ten times the reporter, Kiley. Carmen’s more interested in the political stuff, the demonstrations, social justice causes.”
“Which would be perfect for Martin. He can get in people’s faces. This needs to be handled with delicacy. She’d be talking to people who don’t want to tell their story for fear they’ll be sent back home. And I like the idea of a woman asking all those personal questions, not a man, Corbin.”
“Bingo. Okay, I agree. It’s probably an immigration issue. But I’ll put Carmen on it for a few days and see if she digs anything up.”
“Tell her we can talk via Skype if she wants.”
“I’ll tell her. Not sure she’ll be very thrilled.”
“Just because we don’t hear about all the suffering that goes on with these women, with children smuggled into the U.S. against their will, doesn’t mean it isn’t a huge story. Not as juicy as a strike or demonstration. This stuff is more underground, hidden. And it’s just plain evil. If my story does what I think it will do, and I have to stay here for a few more weeks, Carmen’s going to have all the follow-up. It’s a great opportunity for her. With her help, all the little loose ends will be tied up, and we’d have developed a huge case for the police.”
“And not something you want?”
“It won’t bring back my cat. It won’t bring back my peace of mind when I walk out into the dark parking lot downtown. I’m not doing it for recognition. I’m doing it for the women. And right now, with all those stories, I’m too radioactive. Carmen will do a much better job finishing it.”
“What about your apartment?”
“Megan’s boyfriend is moving in. That was already in the works. I was going to have to move out anyway. I’m just giving her all the furniture and household stuff. She can hold everything else for me until I return.”
“So what do I tell people, Kiley?”
“Tell them I’m on a writing retreat. That part is even true.”
“And when they ask me where?”
“Tell them Chicago or Cincinnati. Don’t mention Florida, please.”
“Alright. Now, if you don’t get that story in, I’m going to cut back your salary, Kiley. Don’t play games with me, okay?”
“This is not a game, Corbin.”
“Are you going